NEZÎHA BOSAÎDÎ

Tunisia- A photo of a mentally ill woman with foot chained sparked outrage on social media in Tunisia. After the photo went viral on social media, citizens and human rights organizations called on the government to take urgent measures. The woman in her fifties reportedly lives in the countryside of Nabeul Governorate of Tunisia. The woman has been reportedly taken to a hospital for treatment. Moez Hesen Fafad, who is in charge of the press department for the Ministry of Women, Family, Children, and Seniors, spoke to NuJINHA about the incident.

"The ministry took action"

Stating that the ministry took action shortly after the photo was shared on social media, Moez Hesen Fafad said, “Minister Amel Moussa Belhaj appointed a delegation consisting of regional representatives responsible for the affairs of women and family. We learned that the woman with foot chained suffers from a mental illness and has physical disorders. She lives with her 80-year-old mother and a sister.”

"The ministry will provide support"

Talking about the measures taken by the ministry, Moez Hesen Fafad said, “The woman is currently at the hospital under the control of a doctor. Her medical and psychological needs have been met. The ministry will also provide financial and moral support to her family. We haven’t known her name yet; the security forces have been working to get this information.”

"Her mother also needs special care"

We also spoke to civil society activist Amal Al-Khamari about the issue. “The authorities should save her from this catastrophic situation. Her mother is a very old woman and she also needs special care. They need more support. We need an organization providing support to such people and families,” she told us.